Nine Mile Canyon is an outdoor museum. It has some remarkable examples of Native American art and remnants of dwellings that have remained untouched through the centuries. Because of the dry climate and isolation from large population centers or heavy ranching, the canyon remains much as it was hundreds of years ago. The canyon should be shown the respect due to one of the West's ancient treasures. The panels of rock art are of such remarkable quality and beauty that they have been featured in National Geographic and other publications highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of the art.
Nine Mile Canyon is off the beaten track. There are no services available of any kind. The length of the road through the canyon is 50 miles. Taking time out for frequent stops and a little hiking, the entire tour, in and out, will take about six hours.
It is important to remember that Nine Mile Canyon is protected by the Antiquities Act. The act states that a person may not "appropriate," excavate, injure, or destroy any historic or prehistoric ruins or dwellings or other structures. The slogan of those who enjoy visiting historic sites is "take nothing but picture, and leave nothing but footprints."
There are several tracts of private land within Nine Mile Canyon. Respect the rights of private land owners. Nine Mile Canyon was designated by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the National Back Country Byway system in 1990. |
| Facilities: |
There are no services available between Wellington and Myton. There are vault toilets and picnic tables at Cottonwood Glen Picnic Area and at the Daddy Canyon Complex. |
| Directions: |
In Wellington, Utah (about 10 miles east of Price), drive to the far eastern end of town (2200 East or Soldier Creek Road) on Highway 6/191. At Walker's Chevron turn north, or left. This is a good place to fuel up for your trip and reset your odometer so that you can follow the various guides to the rock art sites. There is a Nine Mile Canyon National Backcountry Byway kiosk on the corner with a map and other route information. From here you will continue north for 12.9 miles to the end of the paved road.
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| Coordinates: |
Map Coordinates (NAD83): 39 47.004N; 110 09.499W. |
| Weather: |
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| Regulations: |
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| Precautions: |
Road Conditions
Because road conditions cannot be guaranteed:
- It is suggested that you check with the Emery Country Highway Department or the BLM office (900 N. 700 E., Price, Utah 84501; phone: 801-637-4584) for accessibility or roads.
- Because of the primitive nature of Nine Mile Canyon you should notify family and/or friends of your itinerary.
- Be safe, drive slowly, and pull off the road completely when stopping to visit the sites.
- Be prepared; be self sufficient. A full tank of gas, plenty of water, and five good tires are a must.
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